Anyone a Lactation Consultant?

[Batia]

I am thinking about becoming a lactation consultant. I have alot of knowledge in bf because of the bf I have done straight through the last 15 years. I was also a la leche league leader for a time. I just have a heart to help mamas bf their babies and get the help they need. I read through how one becomes a Lactation Consultant and honestly I am confused..Could someone who is a Lactation Consultant already or training to become one explain it to me? And maybe direct me in where to go from here? Thank you!

[Lisoula]

I'm an IBCLC.  Have you checked out iblce.org?  That explains all the different pathways available.  Basically the path you choose depends on what type of degree you have if any.  PM  me if you have questions.

[Peony]

It is confusing when you first look at it, but like Lisa said, the pathways vary based on your education or how you get your lactation hours. Last time I was on the IBCLC site, there is a pathway wizard thing that help you figure out which pathway is right for you. 

[Heba]

Does anyone have any information/suggestions on how to get the necessary non-breastfeeding education for those without a medical background?  I know *what* we need to do, I just have no ideas as to *how.* 

I am a trained breastfeeding counsellor with the ABM and my intention was to (once I had the necessary experience) progress to presenting for the IBLCE exam.  Now of course under the new regulations I cannot do that unless I take the medical courses.  Restricting access only to those with a medical background obviously affects many trained counsellors from the voluntary organisations, and I wondered if anyone had looked into doing the necessary education.  I suspect that this will be prohibitive for a lot of us, but until or unless an alternative to the IBLCE is created (which it may at some point in the future), perhaps someone may be looking into it?